Fórsa has sought engagement with management of the Dublin Airport Authority (Daa) on its attempts to move staff, who usually work a standard working day, onto rostered shifts, starting as early as 3.00am.

The union said it has sought engagement with the Daa to seek appropriate incentives for staff to work these ‘crisis’ rosters, as management has done this for staff working elsewhere within the organisation.

Management has sought staff flexibility as part of the Daa’s response to staff shortages and other issues that have resulted in widespread public concern over long queues and delays at the airport.

It was reported that up to 1400 passengers missed their flights in a single day, before revised arrangements saw huge improvements in queuing times in the last week.

As part of its response, Daa management issued a unilateral instruction to staff, which Fórsa official Lynn Coffey said was issued without consultation with worker representatives.

“Our members at Dublin airport have stepped up, reflecting their genuine desire to help out at this especially challenging time for the Daa. The bounce-back to unrestricted travel in the wake of the pandemic, and the shortage of staff following last year’s redundancies, have combined to put enormous pressure on the airport and its remaining staff.

“Nobody understands that better than airport staff, but management’s initial approach to this was to unilaterally demand that staff turn up at 3.00am to start work.

“The union has sought an appropriate incentive that at least reflects what’s been offered other staff groups at this time,” she said.

Lynn added that Fórsa’s Daa members can take genuine pride in how they’ve responded to other recent crises.

“The pandemic was the single biggest challenge ever faced by the aviation industry in Ireland and Daa staff helped the airport and airlines through that particularly difficult time. They see the challenges that the Daa is facing now and are again stepping up to help at this critical time.

“Daa management needs to acknowledge that our members are part of the concentrated and successful effort to get passengers through the airport as efficiently as possible under current circumstances. It’s time for the Daa to show real acknowledgement to our members, who continue to go above and beyond for their employer and its customers,” she said.